Cycle Against Suicide CEO Caroline Lafferty visited Errigal College yesterday to personally present the Ambassador Award for 2020/2021.
The Letterkenny school has been closely involved with the charity in recent years to promote positive mental health and to reduce the stigma around mental health.
Errigal College teacher and Cycle Against Suicide volunteer, Evan Gorrell, is looking forward to rolling out mental health initiative called HeadStrong this year with students.
Pictured L-R: Mr Gorrell, Carmel Mulligan (Cycle Against Suicide), Caroline Lafferty (CEO, Cycle Against Suicide), Mr McHale and Principal Mr McFadden pictured with Megan McClintock and Julia Blaszczok (Student Council) receiving the Ambassador Award for 2020/2021.
“HeadStrong is an evidence-based mental health programme introduced by Cycle Against Suicide into over 700 Post-Primary schools across Ireland,” Mr Gorrell said.
“This year they hope to roll it out into an excess of 800 Post-Primary schools across the whole isle of Ireland. The aim of the programme is to reduce stigma, promote resilience and foster a sense of belonging among young people all while reminding them that ‘It’s OK not to feel OK; and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help”.
Megan McClintock and Julia Blaszczok pictured receiving the Cycle Against Suicide Ambassador Award for 2020-2021.
HeadStrong Committee members are empowered to lead the charge of this programme and enables them to become mental health champions within their school and community.
The HeadStrong committee are busy planning their first campaign and look forward to raising continued awareness of mental health issues.
Not only does the experience offer students the chance to raise awareness it also offers invaluable personal development opportunities with the entire initiative being student-led in nature.